Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised gold hour markers in 1950 and its subsequent sale on 29 May 1952. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe original fitted brown presentation box.
The present reference 1518 is doubtlessly one of the most interesting and best preserved examples of this landmark model to appear on the market in recent years. As a matter of fact it is the only example of this reference in yellow gold known to exist featuring "FAB. SUISSE" in the combined date/moon phases dial, a designation generally reserved for watches supplied to the French market. This fact is underlined by the case back, stamped with French import marks and the "Guillermin" retailer's stamp, in addition to the regular Patek Philippe signature, serial and reference number. Logically the calendar discs are in French. Another particularly interesting element adding to the desirability of the present watch is the magnifying glass integrated into the crystal, allowing the wearer to more comfortably read the calendar indications.
In extraordinarily original overall condition, its astoundingly full case proportions and details are properly preserved due to the lack of polishing. With time, the dial has taken an attractive gilt patina, the hard enamel signature and scales are as raised as the connoisseur would expect.
Being one of the best examples of reference 1518 in gold to appear in public in a long time, blessed with its fine provenance and now offered for the first time ever at auction, this watch is a true rarity for the aficionado of this landmark model.
Reference 1518 was launched in 1941 and according to literature, only 281 examples were made until 1954, the majority cased in yellow gold, few in pink gold. It was furthermore the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced in series by any watch company. The model was later replaced by reference 2499 (see lot 160 in this auction), also a perpetual calendar chronograph, but with a wider diameter and fluted lugs.
Reference 1518 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition p. 231 pl. 386, second edition p. 303 pl. 459 and in Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte by Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, second edition p. 127.
The present reference 1518 is doubtlessly one of the most interesting and best preserved examples of this landmark model to appear on the market in recent years. As a matter of fact it is the only example of this reference in yellow gold known to exist featuring "FAB. SUISSE" in the combined date/moon phases dial, a designation generally reserved for watches supplied to the French market. This fact is underlined by the case back, stamped with French import marks and the "Guillermin" retailer's stamp, in addition to the regular Patek Philippe signature, serial and reference number. Logically the calendar discs are in French. Another particularly interesting element adding to the desirability of the present watch is the magnifying glass integrated into the crystal, allowing the wearer to more comfortably read the calendar indications.
In extraordinarily original overall condition, its astoundingly full case proportions and details are properly preserved due to the lack of polishing. With time, the dial has taken an attractive gilt patina, the hard enamel signature and scales are as raised as the connoisseur would expect.
Being one of the best examples of reference 1518 in gold to appear in public in a long time, blessed with its fine provenance and now offered for the first time ever at auction, this watch is a true rarity for the aficionado of this landmark model.
Reference 1518 was launched in 1941 and according to literature, only 281 examples were made until 1954, the majority cased in yellow gold, few in pink gold. It was furthermore the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced in series by any watch company. The model was later replaced by reference 2499 (see lot 160 in this auction), also a perpetual calendar chronograph, but with a wider diameter and fluted lugs.
Reference 1518 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition p. 231 pl. 386, second edition p. 303 pl. 459 and in Armbanduhren - 100 Jahre Entwicklungsgeschichte by Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, second edition p. 127.